**Please see the attached photos of Juan “Manny” Coronel and of Risky Rachel and jockey Cornelio Velasquez. Credit NYRA,
Saturday, March 24, 2012
TRAINER CORONEL WINS WITH FIRST STARTER AS RISKY RACHEL DELIVERS STRONG PERFORMANCE IN BROADWAY
By Jon Forbes
OZONE PARK, N.Y. – Trainer Juan “Manny” Coronel commenced his career on a perfect note as his first starter, Risky Rachel, delivered an on-key performance Saturday in Aqueduct Racetrack’s $75,000 Broadway, a six-furlong dash for New York-bred fillies and mares.
Risky Rachel, who left from the rail under Cornelio Velasquez, vied for the early lead inside Saltamontes through an opening quarter mile in 22.51. Velasquez angled Risky Rachel outside as they entered the far turn, and the mare took command near the quarter pole before running away to a 6 ½-length score over Big Brownie.
Off as the 6-5 favorite, Risky Rachel returned $4.70 for a $2 win wager to her backers in the crowd of 5,375 and completed the distance in 1:10.55.
“She didn’t have a good post, but she stayed close, and I had a lot of horse,” said Velasquez. “She won easily; I didn’t hit her or anything. Very impressive. I’m very happy for the trainer that he got his first win, he’s a good friend of mine.”
Coronel, who assisted trainer H. James Bond before striking out on his own, needed few words to express his sentiments.
“It’s amazing,” said Coronel. “It’s like a dream come true.”
Coronel, 35, hails from
Risky Rachel competed for Bond in 2011, winning three of five starts, including the Friendly Island Iroquois in October at
Coronel said he’ll bide his time with Risky Rachel before he and owner Sanford Bacon decide where the 5-year-old will make her next start.
“First, we want to see how she is tomorrow,” said Coronel. “Then we’ll see what’s going to happen. She’s such a nice New York-bred, and I’m just so blessed and so happy.”
Nicole’s Miss El was third, followed by Lady Gracenote, Saltamontes, Devilish Spirit, and Victoryat Last.
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